William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund Grant

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund was established in 1964 by Mary S. Baker in memory of her husband, William G. Baker, Jr. Since its inception, the fund has supported civic-minded philanthropy with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents in the greater Baltimore area. Since 1985, the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) has administered the Baker Fund's grants program, ensuring continuity and local impact. The fund is governed by a board of local leaders and professionals dedicated to advancing cultural vitality in the region. The Baker Fund emphasizes the transformative power of arts and culture in community development. Its mission centers on sustaining a healthy, inclusive cultural ecosystem in Baltimore by supporting programs that promote excellence in the arts, foster local talent, and provide enriching cultural experiences to diverse audiences. Grants are generally awarded to strengthen organizational and artistic practices, support innovative cultural programming, and encourage sector-wide collaboration. The Fund also supports initiatives like artist portfolios and award programs through a nonprofit intermediary, reinforcing its commitment to Baltimore’s creative community. The fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate a compelling artistic vision, a strong commitment to craft, and inclusive engagement strategies. However, it does not generally fund projects that use arts as a secondary tool for achieving non-arts objectives, such as education or community development. In addition, the fund avoids multi-year commitments, general fundraising appeals, sponsorships, capital or endowment campaigns (except for specific reserve fund programs), or requests aimed at replacing lost public funding. It also does not fund services outside the greater Baltimore area or for religious purposes, nor does it award grants directly to individuals. Cultural organizations or their fiscal agents that are public charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operate in the Baltimore area are eligible to apply. Applicants must not discriminate based on race, creed, national origin, political persuasion, age, physical handicap, gender, or sexual orientation. Funding typically ranges between $1,500 and $45,000, with most grants averaging $10,000. To apply, interested organizations must first submit a two-page letter of inquiry. This letter should outline basic organizational information including the operating budget, a description of the need addressed, an overview of the proposed project, and the amount of funding requested. Letters of inquiry must be submitted at least one month before the corresponding proposal deadlines. If the proposed project aligns with the fund’s mission, the applicant will be invited to submit a full application. For 2025, the fund has established four proposal deadlines, each aligned with a subsequent board meeting: January 10 for the March 20 meeting, March 21 for the May 8 meeting, July 11 for the September 18 meeting, and September 26 for the December 4 meeting. Applications and inquiries should be sent via email to David London, Director of the Baker Fund Grants Program, at dlondon@bakerfund.org. He can also be reached by phone at 410-332-4172 x162 for additional questions. Applications may be submitted under three formats: Traditional Application, Fixed Asset Replacement Reserve Application, or Working Capital Reserve Application.